Land promotion

Our team works hard to find new ways to bring major residential and commercial schemes forward through planning, providing vital new homes and jobs. Come help us create the thriving places of tomorrow.

Career opportunities in land promotion

The best place to develop your career

Join our family…

We’re one of the largest and most experienced land promotion businesses in the sector. You’ll be joining a brilliant team, in a successful company with a proven track record in acquiring land and delivering valuable planning consents.  We’ve been running for over 125 years and have the values of the Wates family behind us. It’s a big factor in why we have the best reputation in the business.

We offer lots of opportunities across different roles in a wide range of areas, such as land specialists, who find sites for the business. Other roles include land and planning managers who secure allocations and planning consent once the site is secured. There are also commercial land managers who acquire sites for the logistics sector, technical managers, and accountants.  

We have strong development paths for those joining as a graduate and want to support people who are keen to progress. If you’re interested in a particular area, we’ll give you all the help you need to become a specialist. Whatever your ambitions, there are lots of different ways to achieve them. Join us, and we’ll make sure you and your career thrive.

Our people thrive

About you…

Whether you have sector experience, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.

In Land, ideally, we’d like you to have a relevant degree in property, planning, business or geography. Above all, you should have a keen interest in land, planning, and development.

In terms of experience, you might have worked with a property agency, as a consultant, housebuilder, or property developer. The most important thing is you need to be very personable, as it’s all about relationships and contacts. Someone who is externally presentable and can embody what Wates is all about.

Testimonials

Hear from our people

Holly Rush

Development Management Trainee

"I joined Wates with no prior industry experience, and it has been an incredible journey. Through the graduate scheme I worked in the Project team supporting the promotion of land through planning. I am also an active member of the Wates Women and Allies Steering Committee which I’ve gained invaluable insights from. Wates' dedication to excellence and innovative solutions have accelerated my learning curve while allowing me to expand my professional network. Their supportive culture and emphasis on development have made each challenge manageable and rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Wates for anyone seeking a dynamic career path with growth and opportunity.”

Careers in land

Want to be a part of our team?

Career opportunities in land promotion

Design Manager

Location: Rugby

Job Type: Design

Application Deadline: 30-12-2025

Wates are looking for a Design Manager to join our Construction Team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. If you are passionate about design, working within a team environment and with proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. ABOUT THE ROLE Our Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our industry specialists and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Design Manager you will: Work with all relevant parties, to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to facilitate design, procurement and construction activities Support the implementation of Continuous Improvement initiatives and innovation Ensure the design has been reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health and Safety, design and buildability issues prior to construction and identify key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Multi Skilled Joiner

Location: Skelmersdale

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 05-01-2026

We are currently seeking a skilled and reliable Multiskilled Joiner to join our responsive maintenance team working on a social housing contract in the Skelmersdale area.🔧 Key Responsibilities: Carry out responsive maintenance works including repairs, replacements, and installations across occupied and void properties. Deliver high-quality joinery work in line with health and safety standards and customer expectations. Work independently and as part of a team to complete tasks efficiently and professionally. Liaise with tenants and housing officers to ensure minimal disruption and excellent service delivery.✅ Requirements: NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant trade (Joinery/Carpentry). Full UK Driving Licence – essential for travel between properties. Proven experience in social housing or domestic maintenance environments. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach. Ability to work flexibly and respond to emergency call-outs when required.💼 What We Offer: Competitive salary and benefits package. Company vehicle and fuel card. Ongoing training and development opportunities. Supportive team environment and career progression.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Resident Liaison Officer

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Customer Service

Application Deadline: 05-01-2026

WPS is expanding its domestic retrofit programme across the North West, and we’re looking for a passionate and proactive Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) to join our Planned Division specifically within the Manchester area.This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team delivering meaningful change to communities through energy efficiency upgrades.🔧 About the RoleAs an RLO, you’ll be the key point of contact between residents and our delivery teams, ensuring smooth communication and minimal disruption during retrofit works. You’ll support projects that aim to create warmer, healthier homes while helping residents reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions.🏠 Scope of Works Includes: Insulation and ventilation upgrades Window and door replacements Installation of renewable technologies (Solar PV, Air Source Heat Pumps)🌱 Why Join Us?Now is a brilliant time to become part of WPS. Your work will directly contribute to: Improving living conditions for households in Manchester Supporting the UK’s net-zero goals Building trust and engagement within local communities👤 What We’re Looking For: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Experience in customer-facing roles, ideally within housing or construction Ability to manage resident expectations and resolve issues sensitively Organised, empathetic, and solution-focusedGiven the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Senior Estimator

Location: North East, North West, Yorksh…

Job Type: Procurement

Application Deadline: 04-01-2026

SES Engineering Services are looking for a Senior Mechanical Estimator to join our SES Northern team, focussing on high profile, technically complex mechanical and electrical projects across multiple sectors. If you are passionate about Construction and are looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. ABOUT THE ROLE Our Senior Estimators are a valuable part of our business, where they effectively utilise skills, experience and knowledge within a team environment to produce tenders, establish opportunities and prepare competitive estimates. As our Senior Estimator you will: Ensure that all estimating processes and procedures are followed to deliver a submission following tender settlement Work with surveyors in preparation of quantified schedule of rates and bill of quantities Prepare tender summaries and attend start-up pre-price and price meetings Assist in preparation for settlement meeting enquiring whether risk register, prelims and labour rates have been done. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & bonus  Flexible working  Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade)  Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)  Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.  Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 6% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…